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Washington Wizards: 3 goals for the end of Rui Hachimura’s rookie year

By Collin Loring

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 12: Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards reacts in the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 12, 2020 in New York City.The Washington Wizards defeated the New York Knicks 114-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 12: Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards reacts in the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 12, 2020 in New York City.The Washington Wizards defeated the New York Knicks 114-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Make the playoffs

For a 22-year old rookie to get to see the postseason in year one, well, that’s invaluable experience. And when you consider the goals for this Wizards team come next year, well it may be best for Hachimura to get time in the playoffs now.

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Thus, avoiding the deer in the headlights moment some rookies often have when first faced with the competitive and fast-paced environment that is the playoffs. Because once John Wall returns next year, things will begin moving even quicker for the Wizards.

Assuming Washington is able to resign Davis Bertans, and Wall comes back no lesser than 80 percent, then this team is in strong shape to make a run in the Eastern Conference. The problem is, they’re no longer playing on their own time, in fact–it’s the opposite.

If things don’t go as planned next season, it may be the last year fans see Beal and Wall share the same backcourt. Because as previously mentioned, the former has emphasized ‘winning,’ as what’s most important to him as a player.

And making the playoffs in a year they were counted out, that’d certainly help the Wizards’ case. But regardless of Beal’s status, getting Hachimura experience in the playoffs this early is critical in his development as a Washington cornerstone for years to come.

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